Saint Dymphna

Saint Dymphna When she was fourteen, she consecrated herself to Christ and took a vow of chastity. Soon afterward, her mother died and her father - who had loved his wife deeply - began to suffer a rapid deterioration of his mental stability.

At the urging of the King's counselor, her father, though still deeply troubled after losing his wife, agreed to get remarried as long as the woman was beautiful. When no woman could be found, it was suggest that Damon marry his daughter, Dymphna.  His mental health was not well and his thoughts were twisted - he agreed to the arrangement. 

Hearing of her father's plan, St. Dymphna fled to present day Belgium.  There she built a hospital for the poor and sick.  Her father eventually found her and when she refused to marry him, he became enraged and killed her.  

In defense of her purity, Dymphna received the crown of martyrdom around the year 620 and became known as the "Lily of Éire.

Saint Dymphna is the patron saint of those suffering from nervous and mental afflictions. 

Her feast day is May 15. 

Find more information on Saint Dymphna HERE